The Marriage of Heaven and Earth (Psalm 45)

Psalm 45 (NIV)

CONSIDER THIS

Today’s post is from A Meditative Journey Through the Psalms by Timothy and Julie Tennent. He holds the Methodist Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School and served as president of Asbury Theological Seminary for fifteen years. She is a gifted musician and was one of the driving forces that helped bring to fruition the Seedbed hymnal, Our Great Redeemer’s Praise. We will share some of their writing on the Psalms on Sundays.

The whole creation begins and ends with a marriage. The creation of the world begins with Adam and Eve, who become the progenitors of the whole human race. The consummation of the ages, time, and all earthly history will culminate in another great wedding, the wedding of Christ and his church, known as the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6–9). This is not only the symbolic wedding of earth and heaven that all of church history anticipates, but it is the reminder that the end of the world is really the beginning of a new and even more glorious chapter for the people of God. Just as the creation of Adam and Eve into a one-flesh relationship marked the beginning of the whole history of humanity, so the marriage of Christ and his church will mark the beginning of the New Creation.

Psalm 45 foreshadows this great theme. On its most basic level, it is a song written to celebrate the marriage of the king to his bride. But on a deeper level, it reminds us that marriage has always been a sacrament—i.e., an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. The anticipated marriage between heaven and earth was foreshadowed in many smaller ways, like the giving of the law, or the building of the temple with the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. But in the end, it cannot be found in stone tablets or the impressive architecture of the temple. In the end, it had to be personal: the Lord of glory stepping into time and space, known as the incarnation. Incarnation means “in the flesh.”

The book of Hebrews begins by recalling all of the past ways that God has spoken to his people. But now, at the climax of the ages, he has sent his Son into the world. Hebrews 1 breaks into a cacophony of praise dedicated to the celebration of the incarnation. The praise begins with a quotation from Psalm 45: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Heb. 1:8–9, quoting Ps. 45:6–7). In its original setting in the Psalms, the king is only the symbol, regent, or representative of God. But in Hebrews it is clear that Jesus fulfills this early symbol because he is God in the flesh, and even the Father in heaven addresses Jesus as God! In Jesus Christ, God himself steps into human history and becomes the bridge that finally unites all of heaven and earth into one great consummation of praise!

For the Awakening,
Timothy and Julie Tennent

THE HYMN

Sing Psalm 45 with the Seedbed Psalter today. We suggest the tune TOULON (“I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art”). You can hear the tune played online by Julie here. If you listen to the podcast audio version, we will sing the psalm in this same tune. For your convenience, the words from the Psalter are printed below. 

1   My heart is stirred by a grand, noble theme,
As I recite my verses for the king.
My tongue is like a skillful writer’s pen,
As it stands ready to recite and sing.

2   You are most excellent of men e’er sung;
Since God bless’d you, your lips are full of grace.
3   Gird your sword on your side, O mighty one;
Be clothed with majesty; splendor embrace.

4   In majesty, ride forth in victory;
Let your right hand display your awesome deeds.
With righteousness, truth and humility,
Ride forth in majesty victoriously.

5   Your arrows sharply pierce all foes of yours,
and all the nations fall beneath your feet.
6   Your throne, O God, will last forevermore;
Justice will be the scepter that You keep.

7   You love true righteousness, and evil hate,
So God, your God has set you over men.
He has anointed you in splendor great,
And with the oil of joy above all them.

8   All of your robes are fragrant with the smell
of myrrh and cinnamon and aloes, too.
From palaces adorned with ivory well,
Music of strings brings gladsome joy to you.

9   Daughters of kings are with your women here;
At your right hand, your bride in Ophir gold.
10   Listen, O daughter, ponder and give ear:
Forget your people and your whole household.

11   The king’s enthralled by beauty that you bear,
So honor him, for he’s your lord indeed.
12   Tyre’s daughter comes with gifts for you most fair,
And men of wealth will come, your grace to seek.

13   All glo-rious is the princess in her room;
Her gown is woven with the finest gold.
14   Led to the king, in beauty she’ll come soon,
With her companions, he will her behold.

15   They’re led with joy and gladness to the king,
Brought in procession to his palace grand.
16   In place of fathers, you their sons will bring;
You’ll make them princes all throughout the land.

17   I’ll cause your name to last in memory,
All generations will remember sure.
Nations will therefore, praise you joyfully,
Always, forever, and forevermore.